SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2025

The Elf Inspectors   Keith Singleton (Rascal Elf), Ashley Montgomery (Helpful Elf) and Catriona
McFeely (Nice Elf) in Replay Theatre Company's 'The Elf Inspectors'. 
Production Photo: Neil Harrison

Dazzling as spectacle, sensitively acted and very thoughtfully written, Replay Theatre Company's The Elf Inspectors, written and directed by Janice Kernoghan-Reid, is the kind of interactive multi-sensory Christmas treat to be treasured not only for this time of year but for theatre in general and families altogether. Performative connectivity and poignant thematics find their place and make their case in the relatively small but cosily artistic surroundings of The Factory at Belfast's MAC to cast a cheerful and enduring aura over the proceedings, the kind that warms and touches the heart and fully engages the brain. It really is that good, that irresistible even.

The "Elf Inspectors" of the title are not the cast themselves, but the audience. We, Inspectors large and small, depending on our ages, are each presented with a badge for the purpose of "inspecting" elves who are trying to bring back the Magic Of Christmas, which has somehow disappeared. We arrange ourselves in a circle and watch on as Nice Elf, played by Catriona McFeely, and Helpful Elf, played by Ashley Montgomery, attempt to repower their seasonal machine, Jenny the Christmas Magic Generator. Usually, "wiggly wishes", the elves' cheerfully distinctive verbal and physical gestures, would be enough to get Jenny "going" again, but here something more is required. It's up to both us and the elves to find it – before the "boss", most likely Santa himself, shows up.

Carol Moore (Wise Elf) in Replay Theatre Company's 'The Elf Inspectors'.
Production Photo: Neil Harrison

The production values, from Eileen McClory's choreography to Garth McConaghie's music to Susan Scott's costumes to Darren Robinson's set and lighting, inspire both audience and performers in their charm and creativity. Jenny, notably, is an amazing invention, echoing aspects of Replay's PRISM and Eric Charles & Stephen Flewers' Bertha – she boasts colourful lighting, candy cane levers and a gramophone speaker (for hearing?) amongst her most notable features. She even "burps" and "farts", as one might do if they've eaten too many Brussels sprouts on Christmas Day, though here the flatulence functions as not only amusement but a warning to the elves that Jenny really does need looking after. 

McFeely and Montgomery are endearing and relatable in conveying the try-hard nature in their characters, the kind that is both hugely understandable and - for a moment - mildly tragic as a desire to get things just right. Surely, the interjection of the brilliant Carol Moore as Wise Elf will help? At least as an antidote to the chaos brought about by the typically terrific Keith Singleton as Rascal Elf. But wisdom can bring heartbreak and weariness as well as knowledge – just like "wiggly wishes", the power of the wise isn't going to bring the Christmas Magic back by itself. Cooperation and contextual awareness is crucial, and the heart and thrust of the show eloquently reveals itself as every elf, every inspector and every audience member come together to find that Magic - in educational and entertaining ways.

When the end nears and it's time for the audience to hear Nice Elf sing about "sharing love", in another memorable McConaghie tune, I am moved to tears, and not solely by McFeely's wondrous singing voice. For we sense that Replay have delectably channelled the idea of various emotions learning to blend and interact for the better. The temporarily devastating, soul-damaging realisation that Nice Elf and Helpful Elf appeared to have forgotten how to laugh in their quest for the perfect Christmas fades away – a lack of control that translates to frustration and then apathy gives way to new foundations and potential for a brighter Christmas future. The Elf Inspectors isn't just about "Elf Inspecting" – it's about health inspecting, in its own beautifully concise manner. It's restorative of wellbeing and faith, and a seasonal tonic for every soul of every age.

Simon Fallaha

The Elf Inspectors runs in The Factory at Belfast's MAC until Wednesday December 24. For more information, and tickets, click here.